more fun with audrey

Another Painting

Merry Chrismas

The holidays are coming and to be honest –not my favorite season.
A couple of years ago while having an extended pity party, I decided I would not participate in the holidays. I proclaimed to my family and friends that I was going to be Jewish that year……My mother was not amused. So, since that plan was not going to work for me, I decided to schedule a surgery that I had been putting off – three days before Christmas. My sister drove up from Dallas to be with me. She brought a little Christmas tree for my my hospital room and spent the following week sleeping on a fold-out chair. The surgery had ended up being more involved and it made my hospital stay much longer. On top of that, a blizzard came and snowed us in. My sister ended up completely missing Christmas with her family. But, in our own weird way, we had fun. Let’s face it – I was delirious and from what I gather, ended up being quite entertaining.

So…my sister got me through Christmas that year. And, I know that I can never repay that kind of selfless gift. A blender would just seem trite.

Abstract Floral

A Good Place

I believe we all go through growth spurts. Just like a plant we need nourishment, sunlight, and good surroundings. And, when we aren’t in a good place, we simply can’t grow. I’m in a good place….and hopefully growing and changing. It’s never too late….to become what we were meant to be. I painted the above picture, part of my growth :)

Ashes

Say Cheese

Last week, my art instructor assigned our new project – a painting based on a self portrait. He suggested that it be better quality than a candid photograph. “No facebook photos” he said.

So, faced with the choice of having an awkward photo session with a friend or relative, I decided I would have an awkward photo session at a portrait studio. Because I didn’t want to spend much (or any) money on the photo, I went to an inexpensive “studio” nearby.

When I walked into the studio, it was apparent I was in a children’s portrait studio. I asked the young woman at the front desk if they often photographed adults, and she assured me that they did (liar). So, she ushered me through the waiting area filled with young parents and children, to the room where the session would take place. There was no door…. "Where’s the door?” I asked. “No door,” said the girl. “So, the people in the waiting area are going to watch?” I asked, puzzled. She replied, that I should just ignore them. “Uh, okay”, I said, just ready to get a photo snapped and be done.

I looked around and saw large props such as pumpkins and building blocks, feather boas and miniature fireman hats. My sillier side was tempted to just grab a big pumpkin and say cheese, but I decided to put that idea out of my head.

The photographer (who was also the girl at the front desk….hmm) started asking me what backdrops I would like. “None” I replied. “Just black or white.” She looked a little frustrated and went to get her boss, who came in and explained that in order to provide the best possible quality of session, that we would have to use at least eight different backdrops. I assured them again I would require no fake library, or American flag. Finally, she began to take the photos. I cooperated for the most part. After a few snaps, she told me to lie down. “On the floor?” I asked. “Are you sure you have adults do this pose?” She replied that they always used that pose. (liar, liar, pants on fire) So, as I was lying stomach down with my chin in my palms, I replied, “No offense, but I really don’t think this is a pose for an adult, I mean I can’t see my 83-yr old mother doing this.”

Well, I finally relented and let them do their thing. They showed me the images afterward, and I chose a few I was relatively happy with. So, it would be a shame to not share them.

I should have worn the feather boa.